BANGALORE:
In the celebration of the 64th birthday of Water Resources Minister, M. Mallikarjuna Kharge, the newly appointed president of the Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee, the Dalits in the State on Thursday acquired an icon to lead them from the front, while Chief Minister N. Dharam Singh said his appointment to the party's top post was a recognition of merit and capability by Congress President Sonia Gandhi.

Hosted by the Karnataka Dalit Mahasabha, a forum that seeks to unite Dalits, the grand celebration saw Dalits from throughout the State converging at the Ambedkar Bhavan to drown him in a veritable sea of floral tributes.

Speaking about his best friend and political co-traveller of four decades, Mr. Dharam Singh said:

"Although we have celebrated scores of our birthdays together, this one is special because two people from the same district have now been chosen for a special role in the Congress's fortunes in the State".

Deputy Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, who presided over the function, described Mr. Kharge as a strong political personality who would not settle for compromise on the task that needs to be done.

Mr. Dharam Singh released a souvenir, "Samartha", which has been edited by Sa. Shi. Marulaiah.